Wednesday: An Eternal Priest
Read Hebrews 7:16. On what basis did Jesus become priest?
Jesus received the priesthood on the basis of an indestructible life and because He holds an eternal ministry. The implications of these facts are astounding. It means that Jesus’ ministry will never be surpassed or outclassed. Jesus saves completely, eternally, “to the uttermost” (Hebrews 7:25). The salvation that Jesus provides is total and final. It reaches the innermost aspects of human nature (Hebrews 4:12, Hebrews 9:14, Hebrews 10:1-4). Jesus’ intercession before God involves all the benefits granted under the new covenant.
Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com
It includes much more than the forgiveness of sins, too. It implies putting the law in our hearts, making us new people in Him, and leading to the dissemination of the gospel to the world (Hebrews 8:10-12). As One with God and with human beings, He represents us before the Father. As One who offered His life as a sacrifice, Jesus has unwavering favor before God.
Read Hebrews 7:22. What is Jesus in relation to the new covenant?
Jesus is the surety of the new covenant because God swore an oath that Jesus would be a priest “forever” (Hebrews 7:21). It is very easy to fail to understand the importance of this oath. Paul had already referred to the oaths God made to the desert generation and to Abraham (Hebrews 3:7-11, Hebrews 6:13-15). The difference between those oaths and the oath that God has sworn to the Son is that those oaths were made to mortal human beings. Oaths stay in force as long as the beneficiaries are alive. God’s oath to the desert generation and to Abraham were binding as long as there was a desert generation and descendants of Abraham (see Galatians 3:29).
In the case of the Son, however, whose life is “indestructible,” the oath God made to Him will be binding forever. A person who stood in surety or guarantee of another was liable to the same penalties as the person for whom he stood in surety, including death. Yet, the Father established Jesus as a guarantee to us that He will not default on His promises. That’s how certain we can be of the salvation that we have been given in Jesus.
(23)
My grandson is in the process of discovering Chemistry. He is taking his first steps into learning about the electronic structure of atoms. His teacher is telling him about electronic shells, how they are populated with electrons and how their number and location within the shell structure affect the properties of the elements. For me, a graduate in Chemistry, the picture he is being taught is simple, elegant and wrong. I know about probability spaces, the Shrodinger equation and Hamiltionian functions. I understand orbitals and suborbitals. The reality extends far beyond the picture that my grandson is being taught. But, both my grandson and I are on a voyage of understanding about something that has existed as long as matter itself. My grandson's picture of atomic structure is wrong but is an important step in understanding. My picture supersedes his picture in understanding but needs to be premised by the fact that there is still a lot more to understand. Knowing more comes with the caveat that there is still more to know.
Today the lesson is about Jesus, the eternal priest. And we need to read this like the Chemistry knowledge example I have given above. Believers are taken on a knowledge/experience journey, from an earthly model based on temporal priests to a heavenly reality. We should understand that along that road to understanding, there have been times where we (lets be inclusive here) have had to move out of our comfort zone. We have had to discard temporal models and grasp eternal realities.
The really important thing is that the heavenly reality "has always existed" (or perhaps I should rephrase that as "always exists). What has changed is our understanding and perception. Just as atoms and electrons have existed since the origin of matter, so our heavenly priest as existed from the origin of salvation.
I really hope readers are seeing the significance of what you are again presenting in your comment, Maurice. It is hard to convey how vitally important and relevant both the main point and the other associated points are. Unless we go beyond the temporal models to grasp the eternal realities, we end up (mis)perceiving God and His ways in our image (Isaiah 55:8-9) - likely without realising we are doing so.
I do believe we are gifted faith. Faith is the only way to clasps hands with Christ holding on tight as the world slips from our feet. Faith in God and letting His Love flow into us is the way we have a confirmed understanding of God. It is this faith that gives us a warm feeling inside, even though we don't understand His ways, and aren't ment to comprehend.
How do we get this faith(a warm cheerful feeling within us)?
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts;let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6-9.
Hi Maurice. I like everything you said, but it seems a little complicated. What ever happened to plain simple faith (I will not dare say "blind faith"). Two very powerful passages that come to mind on this subject are 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 and Matthew 24:24
Is it possible (even for the elect) that we try to understand too much and we don't put as much effort in "faith" alone? I hope you understand what I am asking. I have no problem with correction if I'm wrong. And for quite a spell I have respected your (and others) opinions on this forum. I am iron that needs sharpening. Thank You, Sir.
However complicated it sounds Nelson, God accepts us as family. You do not need to have an understanding of Fermi-Dirac particle energy distribution to enjoy the benefits of using electricity.
Likewise, salvation has more to do with acceptance than explanation. You can thank Jesus for that.
Thank You.
But if you do understand the underlying principles of the F-D distribution, applying them can result in amazing technical wonders like superconductors, solar panels, solid state devices (e.g., GTO transistors, multiple colours for LEDs), etc.
“Simple faith” to me is anything but a satisfaction with a simple status quo. God calls us to practice an experimental religion that is a living growing faith in the faithfulness of Jesus—a faith pushing the envelope of that with which we are comfortable.
The apostle Paul understood this and expressed it as a closing benediction in his letter to the Ephesians:
Hi Nelson
If I may join the conversation... because you mentioned you were open to input.
In response to your fair question "is it possible (even for the elect) that we try to understand too much and we don't put as much effort in (plain simple) "faith" alone?", I offer the following for consideration from someone who was influential to the history and development of the Seventh-day Adventist 'faith':
I would be interested in your (and other readers) thoughts about this passage and what it suggests. Although this passage is most specifically talking about more fully understanding the complexity and significance of the complexity of the 'Jewish economy' (ie, the Jewish sanctuary system rather than their financial system), the author applies the same principles to the growing of our understanding to other areas as well*. And the author does not promote development of knowledge merely for the sake of development of knowledge - but for the development of knowledge that transforms experience and therefore translates into experience.
----------
* One of the most succinct and also comprehensive of Ellen White's writings on this topic that I have come across is the article entitled Treasure Hidden. Paragraphs 10 and 15 (with 15 importantly being read in conjunction with 14) are particularly interesting.
Thanks Phil for pointing us to EG White's article entitled Treasure Hidden.
I found it very insightful, instructing us to compare Scripture with Scripture ourselves and not listen to other people's interpretation of passages without considering the whole picture of the Word of the LORD.
Para 14
They place the sayings of men where a “Thus saith the Lord” should be. The world's Redeemer alone possesses the key to unlock the treasure-house of the Old Testament. He explores hidden things. He separates the precious truth from superstition and error and the devisings and imaginings of men.
EGW Writings:
https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p821.17061&index=0Para 15
Sharp, clear perceptions of truth will never be the reward of indolence. Investigation of every point that has been received as truth will richly repay the searcher; he will find precious gems. And in closely investigating every jot and tittle which we think is established truth, in comparing scripture with scripture, we may discover errors in our interpretation of Scripture. Christ would have the searcher of his word sink the shaft deeper into the mines of truth. If the search is properly conducted, jewels of inestimable value will be found. The word of God is the mine of the unsearchable riches of Christ.
EGW Writings:
https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p821.17062&index=0
Maurice, my inner nerd appreciates this analogy, thank you.
My daughter is in the process of moving and renting another house and she has asked me to sign as surety for her. This means that if she can't pay her rent then her new landlord can require me to pay the rent.
This is not a direct parallel with how Jesus is our surety so what does Jesus' surety mean?
The Everlasting Covenant has 4 aspects:
Know the LORD: understand the true Character of the LORD
Justification: Jesus died for our sins, to blot out the record of our sins in the Books of Heaven
Reconciliation: make peace with the LORD, not rebel against or reject Him
Sanctification: be transformed into the likeness of His Character
Act 3:19 MKJV Therefore repent and convert so that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Php 1:6 MKJV being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ,
Psa 51:9-11 MKJV Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. (10) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (11) Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* remember to check the context of the quoted texts to get their full meaning
indestructible life - Really I thought Christ had died the second death then how could this be an indestructible life? Journey with me to the cross of Christ.
Jesus said, "It is finished." and gives up his life. Satan and his angels frantically try keep him in the grave. Heavenly court is in session awaiting satan and his angels to bring a charge against Christ. satan is desperate time is running out but he (satan) could not find a single sin to keep him in the grave.
The cross revealed the just character of God. Even to his enemy, God gave time to find and keep Christ in the grave. Now with this background
Hebrews 9:14
14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
"Eternal Spirit" - Because Christ was not overcome with sin.
Sunday morning grave shouted aloud, I cannot hold him. Sin/destruction could not reign over Christ.
I would challenge any world religion that would show a just God who had paid the penalty of sin on behalf of humanity and has overcome sin.
Now on this basis, I claim Christianity is the only way.
We are the royal priesthood representing Christ on earth to bring about the truth to our fellow brothers and sisters.
I find it confusing and misleading when the name ‘Jesus’ is used without its title ‘Christ’. The name ‘Jesus’ in the Hebrew language is written Yeshua/Y’shua, which is based on the Semitic root ……, meaning, “to deliver, to rescue’; His name is not just a name, but it is representative of who He is and what His calling is.
‘Christ’ comes from the Greek word ……, meaning “anointed one”. In the Greek Septuagint, 'Christos' was used to translate the Hebrew … 'messiah', meaning “[one who is] anointed”; a title. (Wikipedia)
So, His full name would be ‘the anointed one to deliver/rescue’ – Christ Jesus.
I can not see Christ Jesus as a ‘priest’; it is confusing and, in my opinion self-serving, because SDA theology places great importance on maintaining a connection to the 'priestly' services needed during the old Sanctuary system of worship. In my opinion, the title ‘priest’ relates to the old sacrificial system of worship; it was replaced by the new ‘Covenant of Faith’ were all who believe are children of God and come to Him by Faith directly without the need of an advocate (priest).
John14:12-14NKJV informs the student of the Bible that Jesus instructed the Apostles: v.13: And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
John16:23-28KJV – v.26: ”At that day (after His resurrection) ye shall ask in my name, and I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you: v.27: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. v.28: ”I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
John17:3-5NKJV – v.4: ”I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You have Me to do”. The Weymouth New Testament translates v.4: ”I have glorified Thee on earth, having done perfectly the work which by Thine appointment has been mine to do”.
If Christ Jesus has atoned for our sin, has accomplished what the Father appointed Him to do, if His work is finished, what then is left as His work in heaven on our behalf as it relates to our Salvation?
I would very much appreciate if someone can explain this to me - thank you!
Brigitte,you queried why the Word of the LORD portrays Jesus Christ as our High Priest in heaven, I believe it is a way to explain what He is doing after He completed the Atonement and sat down at the right hand of the Father on His throne in Heaven. Heb 1:3 It is to encourage us not to be afraid to approach the throne to talk to the Second Person of the Triune God.
Heb 4:14-16 MKJV Since then we have a great High Priest who has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (15) For we have a high priest who can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, and was in all points tempted just as we are, yet without sin. (16) Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
EG White also explains how knowing Jesus Christ is our High Priest helps us understand what He is doing in Heaven
Desire of Ages 165.3
Jesus is Alpha and Omega. Every step from the beginning to end was meant for eternity purpose.
The question at the beginning of the lesson is: On what basis did Jesus become priest? The answer is that it is "because He holds an eternal ministry." Yet we must begin at the foundation, which is in the sonship of Christ. Without being the Son of the living God, He could not connect us to heaven to be partakers of divine nature. Before he talks about Christ's eternal high priestly ministry, Paul in Chapter 1 of Hebrews lays a strong foundation by highlighting the sonship of Christ and His begotten-ness. This differentiates Christ from all other priests. In fact, not even Melchizedek comes close.
How does the concept of "eternal priest" come through in this lesson? For some (with a trinitarian background), the word eternal applies both backward and forward. Yet the Bible shows that Christ, in order to be the Son of God that He is, was begotten indeed (John 3:16) and has His beginning in God (so that indeed He is the Father of Christ, just as the Bible shows). Eternal, therefore, means "perpetual" (forward) and "without end". If it were to apply retrogressively (backward), it would be difficult to account for such a priesthood before the fall of man, for a priestly office exists only in the context of intercession and atonement for sin.
Hello Dan,
I think you should read the first comment posted by Maurice Ashton. God has been progressively revealing himself to the human race, which has a very difficult time seeing him as he truly is. In our human condition, we struggle to see God as he truly is because the parents of the human race to which we belong believed the lies of the Devil. Our only hope of escaping the Devil’s web of deception is to believe what God says about himself, because he has demonstrated through his Messiah that he is faithful to his word and his eternal covenant.
There are many witnesses in scripture to the eternal nature of the Messiah and his relationship with the Ancient of Days, but you do not appear to have comprehended these. Perhaps I am misunderstanding what you have written, so it would be appreciated if you would please explain more clearly (on a scriptural basis in context) the reasoning behind your statement?
Richard
Dan Koth,
If I'm reading this wrong, please correct me, however are you saying that Jesus Christ had a beginning?